 Andrew Biar
President |
Andrew founded Strategic Public Affairs ® in 2000. Drawing on his years of experience, he and the firm provide public affairs and communication advice to businesses in key sectors of the economy including energy, utility, healthcare, automotive, homebuilding, finance and more. This includes providing strategic counsel to trade associations and PACs as well as leaders in small business and Fortune 500 companies. Prior to forming the firm, Andrew worked on political campaigns and did political fundraising. He also worked at a statewide business trade association, for elected officials as well as a PR/Public Affairs firm. His experience in government includes working at the municipal level, the Texas State House and Senate as well as public policy issues at the federal level. Additionally, his background includes work in crisis communication and media relations. He is responsible for managing the continuing growth of the firm as well as key client relationships. Andrew earned his B.A. in Communications from Concordia University, Austin, Texas. |
|
|
Elizabeth Biar
Vice President |
Before returning to Texas in 1997, Elizabeth worked for U.S. Congressman Bill Archer and also for the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee. Following her positions on Capitol Hill, she was employed as Associate Vice President for Tax and Health Policy for Newmyer Associates, Inc., in Washington, D.C. After leaving Washington and moving to Austin, Texas, Elizabeth worked for Texas State Senator David Sibley and the Senate Economic Development Committee handling health, health insurance, and health and human services issues. Prior to joining Strategic Public Affairs® in 2002, Elizabeth was the Southeast Texas Public Advocacy Consultant for the American Heart Association. Elizabeth earned a B.A. in Political Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Public Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. |
|
|
Matt Barr
Senior Director
|
Prior to joining Strategic Public Affairs®, Matt served as Deputy Regional Director for U.S. Senator John Cornyn, covering a region comprised of 24 counties in Southeast Texas. Before moving to Houston, Matt gained experience working with elected officials at both the state and federal levels. He held the position of District Projects Manager for U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul in Austin, Texas. Following that role, Matt worked at the Texas Capitol as Legislative Aide to State Representative Ken Legler. In addition, Matt is a member of the Advisory Board at Crime Stoppers of Houston, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Government Relations Advisory Committee at the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston Realty Business Coalition (HRBC) and Maverick PAC. Matt earned a B.S. in Political Science with a minor in Business Administration from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
|
|
|
Ricardo Lopez-Guerra
Director
|
With more than a decade of experience in the Texas Legislature, Ricardo brings solid knowledge and expertise in political strategy, policy analysis, strategic communications and grassroots organization. Ricardo served as Chief of Staff for State Representative Veronica Gonzales from 2004 to 2012. Additionally, he worked for State Senator Royce West and the Texas Senate Jurisprudence Committee. Aside from running various successful Texas House campaigns, Ricardo also served as Campaign Director to Congressman Ruben Hinojosa. In his 10 years of managing political campaigns, Ricardo has never lost a race. He is recognized for his skills in relationship building, negotiation, legislative analysis, campaign coordination and persuasive communication. Ricardo brings a uniquely comprehensive, balanced and personable approach to the table. Ricardo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from The University of Texas at Austin and is fluent in Spanish.
|
|
|
Marilee Covey
Assistant Account Manager
|
Marilee Covey is a graduate of the University of Alabama where she earned a B.A. in Advertising with a Minor in Graphic Design. Before joining Strategic Public Affairs®, Marilee began her career in the communication field at the corporate offices of Houston based Charming Charlie. Working in a fast paced and dynamic environment, she supported the marketing team in coordinating and developing various branding projects through national campaigns and promotional efforts. In addition to her experience in branding, Marilee also has a background in graphic design.
|
Strategic Partner
|
|
Susan K. Medina
Senior Public Relations Consultant
|
Susan K. Medina is a seasoned professional with more than 20-years experience in strategic communications. Her proprietary strategic communication process, known as SPARC, has helped top Fortune 500 companies forge and maintain strategic relationships vital in helping them reach their goals. One integral component of SPARC is the process of building relationships, of perfecting the art of communication as it relates to the task or challenge at hand. Susan maintains relationships with key leaders, presents the facts, skillfully tells her clients’ stories, and makes sure each party is pleased with the end results. It’s this kind of commitment that has contributed to her celebrity with clients such as TransCanada, (NYSE:TRP), Titan Operating LLC, NAPE Expo, ExxonMobil (XOM), and Texas Hospital for Advanced Medicine, just to name a few.
Susan is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio with a B.B.A. in Business Management with a concentration in Marketing.
|
